Disruptive Behavior Policy

Customers whose behavior is disruptive to the Libraries’ operations or services, or infringes the rights, safety or well-being of others, may be asked to leave the facility, referred to judiciaries, and/or have their library privileges revoked.

Disruptive Behavior is any activity by which a library customer:

Impedes or interferes with library operations or the acceptable and legitimate activities of other customers

May cause damage to library equipment or furnishings

Endangers the perpetrator or others

Is illegal

The Ohio University Libraries are components of a publicly supported institution that provides access to information and services. In addition to the civil rights guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, Library and Information Technology professions are guided by the following service statements:

A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views. — Library Bill of Rights.

Librarians must provide the highest level of service through appropriate and usefully organized collections, fair and equitable circulation and service policies, and skillful, accurate, unbiased and courteous responses to all requests for assistance. — American Library Association Code of Ethics.

Staff members strive to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the enjoyment and comfort of all. It is also a responsibility of staff to preserve and protect library, archival, and technological resources and facilities. In providing customer service, it is important that staff strive to differentiate between situations that require tolerance and those that require action but will always err on the side of safety to our users.